Logging Off: Finding Myself Beyond Social Media

Let’s start with a confession: social media was sucking the life out of me.

I didn’t even realize how much until I accidentally stumbled into life without it. It wasn’t some grand decision to log off—it was a broken phone and a locked-out Instagram account. But the longer I stayed away, the more I realized how much I’d been doing for social media, instead of just for me.

The performative nature of it all started to wear on me. I wasn’t baking bread because I wanted to bake bread; I was baking bread because I wanted to post it. And if my hair wasn’t done or I didn’t have the right lighting, I wouldn’t even bother.

But the thing that really got me, was how much access I had granted to people who barely made an effort to truly connect. They could silently observe my life through stories and posts, offering the illusion of closeness while never taking the time to ask, "Hey, how are you really doing?" It was so shallow, so performative, and it hit me how far we’ve fallen as a society, where a quick glance at someone’s highlight reel substitutes for actual human connection.

When I took a step back from social media, I started being present. Suddenly, my life felt calmer, richer, and more intentional. I was doing things because I wanted to, not because I thought they’d look good on a grid. I started reading more—so much more—because I wasn’t constantly glued to my phone.

And that’s where the idea for this blog was born. I missed having a place to share my thoughts, but I didn’t miss the noise of social media. I wanted something more personal, more lasting—a space that wasn’t dictated by algorithms or fleeting likes. Something that felt real.

Blogging feels like coming home. Back in the Xanga days (if you know, you know), I poured my teenage heart into long-form posts that felt like an extension of who I was. My page was my space, my personality, my quirks on display for the world. That’s the vibe I want here. Less polished perfection, more me.

This blog is for anyone who wants to slow down, take a breath, and connect over the things that matter. Books are at the heart of it, of course—my thoughts on the stories I’m reading, the characters I’m obsessed with, and the themes that make me pause and reflect. But it’s also about the intersection of books and life. Stories can unlock something deep inside us, a connection to our own experiences or even a spark of creativity we didn’t know we had.

This blog is my space to be unapologetically myself, to connect with others who share my love for books, creativity, and life. It’s a love letter to the authentic moments, the messy stories, and the joy of just being. If you’re here reading this, thank you. I’m so glad you’re along for the ride.

Here are a few photos from the past couple of weeks that made me smile. Enjoy the glimpse into my life—unfiltered, unpolished, and completely me.